Grounded after Surgery; Avoid Complications From Flying Too Soon After Surgery

Airplane
Before stepping on a plane following any surgery, be sure to check with your doctor regarding the perils of flying within four weeks of an operation.

Folks who travel a lot — either for their job, or pleasure, or both — should be aware of the perils of flying post-surgery.

According to an article in The Washington Post, doctors typically recommend no flying for four weeks after any surgery since during this time, the body’s natural blood clotting ability goes into overdrive.  Air travel already increases the risk of blood clots, and being post-surgery makes it even more risky to take to the skies. Airport and air travel attorney Doug Landau notes that the fact that airline passengers may be confined to their seats for long periods of time further adds to the likelihood of clotting problems, emboli and other post-operative complications.  The Herndon Reston area disability lawyer also notes that medications given to surgical patients may interfere with the body’s natural clotting response, and if a wound opens up and the passenger is on an anti-coagulant or blood thinner, it may be difficult to quickly stop the bleeding on board the jet. Flight attendants are well trained in basic first aid, but hemorrhaging or dislodging of a clot is beyond the on board capabilities of all but the most advanced hospital jets or medical professionals’ aircraft.

If you or someone you know has been  injured in an airport or airplane related incident, and there are questions as to what laws apply, email or call Abrams Landau, Ltd. at once (703-796-9555).